When to Plant Winter Squash in Nebraska
In a typical Nebraska location, start seeds indoors Mar 27 – Apr 3, then sow outdoors May 1 – May 15, then transplant outdoors May 1 – May 8. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 22 in Elkhorn and as late as May 18 in Alliance.
Long season; direct sow after soil warms, or start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost in short-season climates.
Winter Squash Planting Dates by City
| City | Start indoors | Direct sow | Transplant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha | Mar 21 – Mar 28 | Apr 25 – May 9 | Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Lincoln | Mar 27 – Apr 3 | May 1 – May 15 | May 1 – May 8 |
| Bellevue | Mar 20 – Mar 27 | Apr 24 – May 8 | Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Grand Island | Mar 26 – Apr 2 | Apr 30 – May 14 | Apr 30 – May 7 |
| Kearney | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 7 – May 21 | May 7 – May 14 |
| Fremont | Mar 26 – Apr 2 | Apr 30 – May 14 | Apr 30 – May 7 |
| Hastings | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | Apr 29 – May 13 | Apr 29 – May 6 |
| Norfolk | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 7 – May 21 | May 7 – May 14 |
| North Platte | Apr 5 – Apr 12 | May 10 – May 24 | May 10 – May 17 |
| Columbus | Mar 24 – Mar 31 | Apr 28 – May 12 | Apr 28 – May 5 |
| Papillion | Mar 20 – Mar 27 | Apr 24 – May 8 | Apr 24 – May 1 |
| La Vista | Mar 20 – Mar 27 | Apr 24 – May 8 | Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Scottsbluff | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | May 15 – May 29 | May 15 – May 22 |
| South Sioux City | Apr 1 – Apr 8 | May 6 – May 20 | May 6 – May 13 |
| Beatrice | Mar 27 – Apr 3 | May 1 – May 15 | May 1 – May 8 |
| Chalco | Mar 24 – Mar 31 | Apr 28 – May 12 | Apr 28 – May 5 |
| Lexington | Mar 29 – Apr 5 | May 3 – May 17 | May 3 – May 10 |
| Alliance | Apr 13 – Apr 20 | May 18 – Jun 1 | May 18 – May 25 |
| Gering | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | May 15 – May 29 | May 15 – May 22 |
| Elkhorn | Mar 18 – Mar 25 | Apr 22 – May 6 | Apr 22 – Apr 29 |
Showing the 20 most populous of 20 Nebraska cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Nebraska cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant winter squash in Nebraska?
In a typical Nebraska location, start seeds indoors Mar 27 – Apr 3, then sow outdoors May 1 – May 15, then transplant outdoors May 1 – May 8. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 22 in Elkhorn and as late as May 18 in Alliance.
When is the last frost in Nebraska?
The average last spring frost in Nebraska ranges from April 15 in Elkhorn to May 11 in Alliance, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.
How long do winter squash take to grow?
Winter Squash typically take 80–110 days from planting to harvest. Long season; direct sow after soil warms, or start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost in short-season climates.
Other Crops in Nebraska
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant winter squash in other states